Best way to study PCAT alone

Started by PharmEm
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PharmEm

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Hi everyone,
I'm studying the PCAT by myself, no class, just with the Kaplan book. How are you guys studying for this? I'm pretty much just rdg the study guide, doing all the practice questions and tests but there's just so much info, and honestly, it's not all sticking in my head.
Just wanted to know what are some other studying tips for the PCAT, for those not taking the class. thanks.
 
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i looked over the parts of my freshman bio textbook on cell biology, animal anatomy/physiology , etc...

the guides tell you what aspects of bio are covered and that is a good thing to use with your bio text if you have one

also i recommend cliff notes anatomy and physiology quick review if you want a breeze-refresher of that stuff..it wont be any more complex on the pcat than it is in that book

also general chemistry quiick review by cliffs notes is good
 
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PharmEM,
Have you taken a practice test yet? If not I would, then you will have an idea of where you stand and what you need to work on. When you take the practice test take it like the real test. You will see how you handle time and how quickly you can work through problems.
You can be the best chemist in the world, but if it takes you five minutes to work through a pv=nrt equation, you won't do well on the test.
Once you have taken the practice test, work on the areas that you are weak in and then work on your speed in doing problems where you had problems that took you longer to solve. I took the pcat in Oct. 2004 and there were about 60 math and 60 chem questions in each of those sections. The time limit for both was 30 minutes. That is right a question has to be solved every 30 seconds if you want to complete the section.
DR
 
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I always felt that if you did really well in your Bio, Chemistry and Math courses, then the PCAT's wouldn't be as difficult. It would be more like a review since the PCAT's won't ask you any real brain teaser kind of questions though you still have to think. I had an 83 composite score on the January test and I was cramming through my Christmas break.
 
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PharmEm-

I studied for the PCAT by myself as well, and it was quite a challenge! However, if you have a schedule that you can stick to, it can be done. I think my composite was a 92 and I have been out of college for a few years. I studied from college chem books (also doing practice questions at the end of the chapters), the Kaplan book (PCAT and MCAT), and a few Cliff Notes Calculus books. I might have even studied out of the Barron book, but I remember that being subpar compared to the actual exam.

You will do well...just maintain focus on studying. It's hard, but we all know it pays off in the long run!
 
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